Instead of a conventional grille, a narrow black strip houses sensors for autonomous driving functions, while sharply styled headlights and sculpted air channels are part of Toyota’s new “hammerhead” look, which aims to generate “a new attitude and a new presence on the road”.
The cabin was designed primarily to give the driver “a sense of direct connection to the road and important information”. The dash is mounted low for better forward visibility and to minimize distractions. The large central screen, the wide center console and the textured dashboard were carried over from the concept.
Toyota’s chief engineer, Koji Toyoshima, explained the philosophy behind the new cabin design: “Our target customer is someone who values spending time with family and friends. . When they want to enjoy such moments, Toyota’s bZ4X concept can serve as their hub.
The powertrains on offer build on Toyota’s more than 20 years of electrified powertrain experience and are said to possess “leading-edge efficiency and highly competitive range”.
Two variants are offered: the front-wheel-drive entry car with a single motor producing 201 hp and 195 lb-ft sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 8.4 seconds, while the top-of-the-range twin-motor – which uses four-wheel-drive technology developed by Subaru – boosts power to 214 hp and torque to 248 hp and cuts 0-62 mph time to 7.7 seconds.
The SUV’s range is optimized with an on-board solar charging system that helps ensure cold weather has minimal impact on usability – a noted drawback of conventional battery technology.
Like the radical LF-Z concept presented recently by the luxury brand Toyota Lexus, the bZ4X uses an innovative cable steering system, which removes the mechanical link between the steering wheel and the front axle. Toyota claims this improves control while minimizing the directional influence of rough surfaces and braking.
As a result, Toyota will roll out the concept’s distinctive yoke-style steering system in select global markets, since the driver has less reason to move their hands around the steering wheel. According to Toyoshima, the bZ4X will make “driving easier and more fun”.
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Source: www.autocar.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-01 09:45:00
